What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Laborer - Natural Resources on-call position at Polk County?
Under supervision of the lead staff, Manager, or their designee, assists full-time staff in the maintenance of county conservation board lands, facilities, and equipment. Performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and laborer duties within the Conservation department; performs related work as assigned.
- Assists full-time staff with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain a county park system.
- Assists in the application of chemicals; assists with prescribing fire, invasive species control, prairie seed harvest and processing, and timber stand improvement duties.
- Participates in the care of trees, shrubs, and other plants. Clears brush, and removes invasive species.
- Assists with minor equipment repair and maintenance.
- Maintains and operates equipment such as hand tools, power tools, pick-ups, sprayers, tractors, utility vehicles, gators, mowers, and pressure washers.
- Assists in the maintenance of trails.
- Completes forms as necessary.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- General knowledge of the techniques and methods used in tree maintenance, care and removal.
- Knowledge in the care and planting of nursery stock.
- Knowledge and use of hand and power tools in performing manual labor tasks.
- Knowledge in the mixing and application of herbicides is preferred.
- Knowledge of the principles of prescribed fire is preferred.
- Knowledge of the principles of native prairie, woodland, and wetland management is preferred.
- Skill in the safe use and maintenance of outdoor power equipment (mowers, trimmers, sprayers, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.)
- Ability to perform manual labor tasks in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using courtesy, patience, and tact.
- Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods.
- Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to back equipment with a trailer attached.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
- Experience with operation of outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, sprayers, brush cutters, and blowers is preferred, or
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Pesticide Applicator’s License per Iowa Code Section 206.6 is preferred.
Part-Time Positions:
- A criminal background check is required.
- A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
- Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
- A drug screen is required.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
- A valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license is required within twelve months of hire.
On-Call and Seasonal Position:
- A criminal background check is required.
- A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within six months.
Salary : $18 - $19